To the Editor:
The Lincoln – Douglas debates have come to mind as I’m hoping that there will be a debate, before the June 25th Primary occurs, between Curt Crandall and George Borrello. Thanks to Curt’s challenge we will have a choice as to who will represent us in the New York State Senate. There is a large pair of shoes to fill and I’m hoping Curt will be the one chosen to fill them.
I’ve been a student of government and it’s built in nemesis “politics” all of my life. Although it’s widely accepted that Lincoln won those debates – they helped him win the Presidency – “politics” took its toll. On Election Day, as the districts were drawn to favor Douglas’ party, the Democrats won 40 seats in the state house of Representatives and the Republicans won 35. In the state senate, Republicans held 11 seats and the Democrats held 14. Douglas was reelected by the legislature, 54-46, even though Lincoln’s Republicans won the popular vote with a percentage of 50.6%, or by 3,402 votes.
Because “politics” is a sketchy art with more twists and turns than any mountain road on earth could have it’s tough to point fingers or blame someone for what the eventual outcome is. It’s been a Republican tradition here to view Republican Primaries as a fight between brothers. When the tussle is over both victor and challenger are supposed to shake hands and work together to win the General Election. I intend to do likewise after the June 25th winner is announced.
I’ve known Curt and his family for a long time. I respect his business acumen and his knowledge of our county government. We’ve bumped heads a few times but have not let it get in the way. We “agree to disagree” but remain friends. I think the thing that I like most about him is his sense of humor. He has a dry wit that often cracks me up. None of us have a claim to the persona or legacy of Lincoln but he often used his wit, as Curt often does, to get his point across.
Although I’ve met and shook hands with George Borrello I know little about him other than he has a record of service in Chautauqua County government and was a business owner before that. I know of only one visit that he has made here and that was at a Republican fundraiser in Wellsville.
Although I would like to know where Borrello stands on the 2nd Amendment, abortion, illegal’s, etcetera (I already know Curt’s stand) the main reason I would like to see a debate held is that I think there are some questions that need to be answered. Mainly due to what I referred to above. The sketchy twists and turns of “politics”.
I’m a fan – and always will be – of Cathy Young. She was the kind of public servant that instinctively knew what the needs and wants of her community was and she worked tirelessly to fill those needs. The loss of the State Senate last November to the Democrats was a heavy blow. There was, however, one way that we – everyone north of the George Washington Bridge – could have had some measure of solace. If Cathy Young would have been made the Republican Minority Leader of the State Senate, we would at least have had a voice.
That job – you guessed it – went to 2nd Senate District Senator John Flanagan – of Long Island. A place that has no desire need or want to fight for our concerns here in Allegany County or anywhere in our Senate District. (In addition, it’s alleged he has a problem with alcohol and has sought treatment for same.) He and 52nd Senate District Senator Fred Akshar, from Binghamton, who is also Minority Leader of the NYS Senate Crime Victims Committee, both hold the top positions in the NYS Senate Republican Campaign Committee – which has endorsed and funded George Borrello’s candidacy. Do a search on “Facebook” and you will find his ads with the notation that it’s “Paid for by the NYS Senate Republican Campaign Committee”. Do a search of the Binghamton press and you will find allegations/revelations that Akshar had a nonconsensual sexual relationship with the mother of a murder victim.
In the real world – such as this – political endorsements come with promises and debt. The question I would like answered is who will George Borrello be indebted to? Will it be John Flanagan and Fred Akshar or the taxpayers of the 57th State Senate District? In my opinion and others, they were architects of Cathy Young’s departure. Until those questions are answered fully – so that we know Cathy Young’s work will continue and not be subjugated by the political forces of downstate New York and Long Island – on Primary Day, Tuesday, June 25th - I’m voting for the independent candidate – Curt Crandall!
Karl Graves
Wellsville, New York
